[img_assist|nid=62225|title=|desc=|link=node|align=right|width=150]When Ten Ton Hammer last checked in with Ankama's Dofus, we noted that href="http://www.tentonhammer.com/node/62227" target="_blank">the
game was an unusual Flash-based MMO sporting real time
strategy combat and plenty of room for growth. Can this “try
before you buy” creation, which boasts over 3 million players
worldwide, win the hearts and minds of entrenched Westerners? [ style="font-style: italic;">Editor’s Note: In
other words, the cynical, smarmy staff at Ten Ton Hammer.]
With reasonable expectations going in, it was hard to admit that I was
a little surprised at what was available just below the surface of this
title. Dofus
didn't try to go over the top or be too innovative, it just provided
some entertaining and unusual content.
[img_assist|nid=62225|title=|desc=|link=node|align=right|width=150]When Ten Ton Hammer last checked in with Ankama's style="font-style: italic;"
href="http://www.tentonhammer.com/taxonomy/term/45"
target="_blank">Dofus, we noted that href="http://www.tentonhammer.com/node/62227" target="_blank">the
game was an unusual Flash-based MMO sporting real time
strategy combat and plenty of room for growth. Can this “try
before you buy” creation, which boasts over 3 million players
worldwide, win the hearts and minds of entrenched Westerners? [ style="font-style: italic;">Editor’s Note: In
other words, the cynical, smarmy staff at Ten Ton Hammer.]
With reasonable expectations going in, it was hard to admit that I was
a little surprised at what was available just below the surface of this
title. Dofus
didn't try to go over the top or be too innovative, it just provided
some entertaining and unusual content.

Gameplay - 87 / 100

As I stated in my preview, the class choices are numerous in the game and
give Dofus
the variety you'd see in any AAA MMO. Personally I avoided the classes
that looked like giggling teenage girls and went with a Sadida.
Muscular, oiled, and having the head of a muppet, these guys are a
summoner class that tames brambles. That's right, I said thorn bushes.
You want to fight about it? If nothing else these guys get to summon
Voodoo dolls that can do damage, leech hitpoints and deal out other
interesting effects making them a great choice for ranged utility and
DPS.


Combat is the most repetitive of any task in any game, and with the
simple Flash-based system, Dofus
doesn't have the flexibility found in most products. The developers
overcome this by utilizing a real time system very similar to what you
might have seen with Final
Fantasy Tactics
.  It's not ground breaking, but I
haven't found many who enjoy strategy games that dislike the way the
combat plays out.  You get roughly 30 seconds to decide where
to move and what ability to use, then other party members (assuming you
have them), and finally the enemies themselves.  It might be a
little rough for those who are used to fast paced PvP environments
where an entire fight can be over in 30 seconds, but once you make your
decision you can end your turn. Combat does get more complex as you
reach the higher levels with more abilities available to you as well as
your enemies.



The creatures you battle start off as cutesy little scrubs you'd expect
from the Legend of Zelda or any of the Mario series. 
Frightened Evil Dandelions, Young Black Gobblys, and Fearful Moskitos
don't sound like much, but they are the only the beginning. 
The freakish looking Jack O'Gobball, mutated Mush Mush, and hundreds of
other creatures are waiting to gnaw off your ankles.  The
variety of encounters was one of the features I found most enjoyable in
Dofus compared to the reused content we see in other games. Considering
the content in Dofus
must range from 1 to 1000, there needs to be a considerable number of
variations to experience.  



Like every good fantasy based game, style="font-style: italic;">Dofus has plenty of
equipment to try out and upgrade as you see fit. Boots, hats, belts,
and backpacks let you customize your stats to the playstyle you
prefer.  Like plenty of other games, a large backpack is
critical to carry around all that crap that you want to sell. 
You can even find one that looks like a pineapple. 
There’s no shortage of weapons that are the bread and butter
of the fighter classes. Swords, axes, hammers and all sorts of death
dealing devices are available in every shape and flavor.  I
was able to find three or four good weapons very early on that I could
switch between at my leisure.

Graphics - 77 / 100

[img_assist|nid=32772|desc=|link=node|align=left|width=150]Unlike what you might expect, the graphics in Dofus actually achieve a sort of diversity and flamboyance that are actually quite appealing to the eye. Even though the game doesn't sport incredible, top-notch graphics, it still manages to please the senses. The game may be seen only one screen "zone" at a time, but there are literally thousands to move through. I spent twenty minutes traveling in various directions finding the only hindrance to be high level enemy creatures, which are also bright and colorful, blocking the way. There was plenty to see and do and environments changed on a regular basis, making each zone screen feel much different from the last.

Sound - 82 / 100

The musical score and sound effects that I found in Dofus definitely exceeded my expectations. Since the game is based in Flash programming, I expected to hear a myriad assortment of obnoxious and jarring effects. However, I found the opposite to be the case and the sound never aggravated my ears in anyway.

Multiplayer - 65 / 100

[img_assist|nid=62224|link=node|align=left|width=150]The true test of a MMO game is the community. While solo play is always possible and even encouraged, what could this game provide in the way of interaction? The community was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I was on an English speaking server of course, but there really didn't seem to be much cooperation between players at least in the areas I visited. This game isn't new, and much of the population could be in the upper tiers, but short of one joint fight I didn't use the chat window at all.

Value - 87 / 100

The only other aspect that needs further mention is the cost of the game. Dofus does technically fit under the free to play banner because the client costs you nothing. You will find yourself hardcapped around level 20, however, and be unable to continue. This isn't a criticism mind you; it's actually a fairly straightforward and simple business model. Once you pay up, it opens the other 99% of the game allowing an incalculable (for me anyway) amount of content.

Lasting Appeal - 95 / 100

[img_assist|nid=32773|desc=|link=node|align=right|width=150]If you're looking for a game with an incredible amount of longevity, Dofus should be right up your alley. With 1000 levels to grind through, tons of content to see and explore, and a development team that seems to be just hitting their stride with putting out more solid content, you should see years of fun gameplay out of this title.

Conclusion

With reasonable expectations, it's really hard to present any negativity about Dofus. Yes, it's Flash based and also about grinding and better gear, but there are millions of people that enjoy that type of gameplay and if you realize that going in, there is nothing to lose. I'm a little excited because I rarely get to say this. Don't take my word for it, try Dofus for yourself. It's not like it will cost you anything right?

Overall 82/100 - Good

Metacritic

To read the latest guides, news, and features you can visit our DOFUS Game Page.

Last Updated: Mar 29, 2016

Comments